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"A summer breeze feels like a sigh
And summer's days are long and warm
Almost every garden in July
Is rich with color, scent and form"
~By David Squire~
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Salvias: Sage
- There are thousands of different species of perennial, biennial and annual salvias.
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Salvias are a member of the mint family. Most are fast growing, hardy, trouble free.
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The best way to grow sage is to buy a couple plants and take cuttings. If you grow sage from seeds it will take about two years before you can use it.
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Most perennial sage species prefer full sun, well drained soil and will flower in June or July.
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Avoid planting sage in heavy soils that retain a lot moisture. Even the hardiest varieties of sage will not withstand an unusually wet winter.
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Cut your sage back each spring to get strong new growth.
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Always keep sage and other aromatic herbs at least an arms length away from cucumbers.
Herb Container Garden:
- Plant a dwarf variety sage in a sunny windowbox along with other herbs for a unique container garden. Prune them regularly.
- If you live in an apartment or condo you can add herbs such as dwarf pineapple sage to hanging baskets along with other perennial herbs for a great space saving idea.
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Enjoy cooking with sage or mix dried sage leaves with other dried flowers to make a fragrant potpourri. (See Below)
Cooking with Sage:
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Add some sage to roast beef for a tasty treat.
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Freeze your sage and store it in ziploc bags for later use.
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Add fresh sage to your vegetables for a hint of unique flavor.
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For a nice presentation, garnish your party platters with sage.
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Grill fresh sage with pork chops on the BBQ this summer.
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Mix sage in with your jellies and honey for a fantastic taste sensation.
Spicy Sage Potpourri
3 tbsp. orris root
1/2 tsp. Carnation oil
2 tbsp of whole cloves
2 cups of red rose petals
2 cups of red carnation petals
2 cups of dried artimisia flowers
2 tbsps of crushed cinnamon sticks
2 cups of red pineapple sage flowers
2 cups of green pineapple sage leaves
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Potpourri will lose it's scent over the course of a year.
When this occurs you can mix 3 tbsp. of orris root and 1/2 tsp.
Carnation oil and add it to your potpourri to renew the scent.
Sage for pollination:
- Sage attracts bumblebees, butterflies and hummingbirds which helps with pollination.
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Sage advice 
© 1998 - 2008 Gardener's Paradise.